Funded NASA Research Projects

NASA - The Development and Evaluation of Remote Manipulator System (RMS) Operator Proficiency and Training Effectiveness Metrics: 2003 - 2006
The objective of the research is to identify and validate relevant quantitative measures of space shuttle and space station remote manipulator system (RMS) operator proficiency in a format that enables instructors, trainees, and trained operators to appraise current skill levels and to determine candidate areas for additional training or practice. The research will likewise identify metrics that can serve as in-flight readiness-to-perform indicators prior to critical operational tasks.

NASA - Integrated Crew Performance Assessment and Training: 2001 - 2004
The research involves the development of dynamic load cognitive assessment tasks to further the self-assessment capabilities of astronaut crews, and to establish a framework for integrating the assessment results with prescriptions for training and other countermeasure interventions.

NASA - Performance Assessment Workstation (PAWS): 1992 - 1997
The researchers collaborated in the development, validation, and application of the NASA Performance Assessment Workstation (PAWS), a computerized battery of tasks for assessing astronaut cognitive performance changes on orbit. Development and validation involved quality assurance review, psychometric properties and training requirements, and normative database development. In partnership with Air Force scientists, Dr. Schlegel collected cognitive performance data from astronauts on two space shuttle missions (STS-65 and STS-78). The astronauts were required to master a battery of computerized tests (including a subset of ANAM tasks) to establish their individual baselines over a period of four weeks prior to flight. These data were compared with performance data obtained on orbit, and during recovery following landing.

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